Senqunyane River

The Senqunyane River is a river of central Lesotho. The river rises in the Maluti Mountains in northwest Lesotho, and flows southwards and then westwards for 120 kilometres before joining the Senqu River (Orange River)[1] in the southwest.[2]

Senqunyane River
The Mohale Dam impounding the Senqunyane River
Location of the Senqunyane River's mouth Show map of Lesotho Senqunyane River (South Africa) Show map of South Africa
Location
Country	Lesotho
Physical characteristics
Source	Maluti Mountains
• elevation	2,850 m (9,350 ft)
Mouth	Senqu River (Orange River)
• coordinates	30°1′59″S 28°10′26″E
• elevation	1,515 m (4,970 ft)
Length	120 km (75 mi)
Basin features
Tributaries
• right	Bokong River, Jordane River, Likalaneng River

The source of the Senqunyane is the meeting point of three districts: Thaba-Tseka District, Berea District and Leribe District. It forms the border between Thaba-Tseka District and first Berea and then Maseru District, as well as a small section of the Mafeteng District that is separated from the rest of its district and located high in the Maluti Mountains, for much of its length.

Tributaries include the Bokong River,[3] as well as the Jordane River and Likalaneng River, which join the Senqunyane shortly before the Mohale Dam.[4]^: 33

The Mohale Dam, opened in 2003, is part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, diverting water to the Katse Dam and hence to the Gauteng region in South Africa, including the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The river is home to the rare Rock-catfish ("Austroglanis sclateri").[5] The Semonkong Waterfall acts as a migration barrier separating distinct fish communities.[5]

The Senqunyane Valley is the site of a number of archaeological and rock art sites.[6] The valley was first inhabited in the Middle Stone Age.[6]

The sandstone gorge with steep cliffs poses a problem to access. A notable bridge build in 2011 crosses the river near its confluence with the Orange River.[7][8]